Broward County, FL — May 15, 2020 — American poet, social activist, novelist, and playwright Langston Hughes once said, “I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go if you really want to go.” Nowhere is that drive to go somewhere and do something great more present than among the seniors and faculty at Somerset Academy Preparatory in North Lauderdale. “This class has been an inspiration to others because of their endurance and ability to persevere,” said Principal Donyale McGhee. “This an incredible class of students filled with energy, laughter, and goals. Failure has never been an option for them.”
Many of the seniors have been attending her campus since they were in elementary school. Located in the city of North Lauderdale, Somerset Academy Preparatory North Lauderdale is a public charter school that serves students from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Over 90 percent of the students qualify for free and/or reduced lunch.
The Class of 2020 seniors have been accepted to a vast array of colleges and have distinctive post-secondary plans ranging from attending the University of North Florida, Broward College, Saint Leo University, Nova Southeastern University, St. Thomas University, Spring Hill College, and Bethune College to attending technical schools like Atlantic Technical College. Among the senior class are four young women — Edwynn Jean-Pierre, Carissa Charles-Pierre, Hope Lelie, and Christina Kellier-Murphy — who are graduating high school having earned a 2-year college degree through the school’s dual enrollment program. “We are very proud of four of our graduates earning an Associate’s degree from Broward College or Doral College along with their high school diploma,” said Principal McGhee. “In addition, we have three students earning a technical college program certificate in Drafting.” Click here to watch an interview with these young scholars, athletes, and philanthropists and their CAP Advisor Chantae Jackson.
In the fall, Edwynn Jean-Pierre, an active member of the National Honor Society for the entirety of her high
school career will attend Nova Southeastern University. Carissa Charles-Pierre had enrolled in Dual Enrollment courses in her freshman year but overwhelming obstacles caused her to be dropped from the program. Carissa did not let this set her back or stop her. She used the experience to grow and transform, and in just two years earned enough college credits to earn an Associate Degree. Carissa has been accepted to Saint Leo University. A Gifted student, Hope Lelie is a Bright Future’s Scholarship recipient who navigated obstacles to graduate high school with an AA degree. Active in Somerset’s mentoring program, Ladies of Elegance, Christina Kellier-Murphy will be attending Florida Atlantic University. Both Hope and Christina are the first in the family to graduate from college.
This graduating class also impressed administrators and the community with their dedication to service projects. “They have been incredibly committed to raising awareness and funds for causes they believe in and helped to change the perspective of their peers and bring the community together,” explained Chantae Jackson, School Counselor/ BRACE. They organized and participated in a mental health walk, promoted a community blood drive, and made a presentation to elementary students as part of the school’s social/emotional learning program.
Although COVID19 restrictions prevented students from participating in a traditional graduation ceremony, on May 9, 2020, the faculty and staff held a drive-by parade through the neighborhoods of Broward County visiting the home of every graduating student. [top photo] They delivered a Class of 2020-yard sign, pizza, and a personal message to each senior. “This Class of 2020 holds a special place in the Somerset Prep North Lauderdale families’ heart, said Mrs. McGhee.